Former Sumner High School Coach Sentenced to 40 Years for Sexual Abuse

Justice was delivered on April 17, 2025, when former Sumner High School basketball coach Jacob Jackson was sentenced to 40 years in prison for sexually abusing teenage athletes over the course of several years. Convicted of 19 felony counts—including child molestation, rape of a child, and sexual misconduct—Jackson’s sentencing marks a pivotal moment for the victims and families who suffered in silence for far too long.

At Evergreen Personal Injury Counsel (EPIC Law), we continue to represent survivors of Jackson’s sexual abuse in civil lawsuits against the Sumner-Bonney Lake School District. While the criminal sentence offers a measure of justice, our civil work seeks to hold the institutions that enabled Jackson’s abuse accountable and to help survivors heal and move forward with the support and compensation they deserve.

Unveiling Years of Sexual Abuse at Sumner High School

Between 2016 and 2022, Jacob Jackson used his position of authority as a coach and mentor to groom and sexually abuse eight teenage boys. These students, who should have been safe under the supervision of school staff, instead endured repeated abuse by someone they were taught to trust. Jackson’s methods included isolating students during team trips, texting inappropriate messages, and engaging in unwanted sexual contact both on and off campus.

Despite years of rumors and concerns raised by students and parents, the Sumner-Bonney Lake School District failed to take meaningful action. According to reports, complaints were either ignored or inadequately addressed, allowing Jackson to continue harming students. The school district’s inaction has now become a central element of ongoing civil lawsuits pursued by EPIC Law, as we work to expose how institutional failures can perpetuate long-term harm.

The victims, now young adults, have shared powerful impact statements in court, describing the trauma, fear, and betrayal they experienced. As one survivor told the court, “There isn’t a day I wake up that I’m not faced with the adversity and challenges that this abuse has caused.” Their courage in coming forward helped lead to Jackson’s conviction—and now serves as a beacon for others suffering in silence.

The Tragic Reality of Institutional Sexual Abuse

Institutional sexual abuse occurs when trusted individuals within schools, churches, healthcare facilities, or other organizations abuse their authority to harm vulnerable individuals. These cases are especially tragic because the environments in which abuse occurs are meant to provide safety, development, and care. Instead, they become places where harm is hidden behind reputations and systemic neglect.

Sexual abuse in institutional settings is more common than many realize. When abuse is left unreported—or worse, when reports are dismissed—predators are given continued access to victims, and cycles of trauma are perpetuated. Institutions that fail to act decisively bear legal and moral responsibility for the damage caused.

At EPIC Law, we understand the profound impact this kind of betrayal can have on survivors. We also understand that legal justice is a vital part of healing and closure.

How Institutional Sexual Abuse Occurs

Institutional sexual abuse is often enabled by preventable failures, such as poor staff screening, lack of training, insufficient supervision, and failure to investigate complaints thoroughly. In the case of Jacob Jackson, the school district had multiple opportunities to intervene. Complaints from students and parents should have triggered investigations and disciplinary action. Instead, they were brushed aside, allowing the abuse to continue unchecked.

When an institution prioritizes its reputation or convenience over student safety, it becomes complicit in the harm that occurs. Holding these organizations accountable is essential to ensuring change and preventing future abuse.

How We Can Help at EPIC Law

EPIC Law provides legal advocacy for survivors of institutional sexual abuse across Washington. We pursue civil claims against abusers and the schools, churches, youth programs, and other organizations that allow them access to victims. Our mission is to help survivors reclaim their voices and pursue justice on their own terms.

We recognize that every survivor’s journey is different. That’s why we offer personalized, compassionate legal representation—supporting survivors every step of the way, from initial consultation to resolution. Whether through settlement negotiations or trial, we fight to secure the financial compensation and long-term care survivors need to rebuild their lives.

Civil litigation can expose systemic failures, drive institutional reform, and help survivors feel seen, heard, and empowered. Survivors often find that speaking out not only helps their own healing but also protects others from similar harm. “I stand here today to demand accountability, to shed light on the truth, and to ensure that no one else has to endure what I have,” said one former student.

Why Choose Us

When you partner with our team at Evergreen Personal Injury Counsel, you can count on:

• Extensive experience with institutional abuse cases, including high-profile school, religious, and juvenile facility cases.
• A trauma-informed approach that centers survivor well-being at every stage.
• Proven results securing meaningful compensation and systemic change.
• Unwavering commitment to justice, transparency, and survivor empowerment.
  

We don’t just handle legal claims—we build strong, trusting relationships with our clients.

To Survivors: You Are Not Alone.

We want survivors to know that they are not alone. We commend the brave individuals who came forward in the Jacob Jackson case—their strength has already made a profound impact, leading to criminal accountability and opening the door to broader systemic change.

EPIC Law continues to represent victims of Jackson’s abuse in civil court, and we are ready to help others who may be suffering in silence. Your story matters. Your pain is valid. And you deserve justice.

If you or someone you love is a survivor of institutional abuse, know that we are here to support you—confidentially, compassionately, and without judgment.

Reach Out Today for Compassionate, Committed Support

At EPIC Law, we believe that justice is more than a court outcome. It’s a commitment to restoring dignity, truth, and safety. If you or a loved one has experienced sexual abuse in a school or other institution, please contact us for a confidential consultation.

You’ve already survived the hardest part. Let us help you take the next step toward healing and justice.

Reach out today to speak with a compassionate attorney.